By Sajid Iqbal

What can be said about a man who has been called many things? He is known as a role model to Muslims. A religious fanatic. A father for black power. A menace to society. An inspirational leader and a legend.

Malcolm X was born in America in 1925, during a time when race relationships were strained. His mother was a housewife and his father was a Baptist Minister who was killed in a fire at a young age(Read More and comment)

By Alveena Salim

You pull up to a red light beside a car full of rude-boy wannabes blasting one of the latest RnB/hip-hop/rap tunes, and before the light turns green, you’ve heard of four different sex acts, someone’s mum cussed, you’re told to get high on drugs and encouraged to beat up the “ho that steps outta line”.

Over on MTV base there are women bumping and grinding, wearing tiny thongs, dancing for men and shaking all they’ve got – usually to lyrics that refer to them as “b***, ho’s or sluts”. (Read More and comment)

Sami Yusuf, largely unknown to the Western world, is dubbed “Islam’s Biggest Rock Star” by Time magazine.

He was born in Tehran but grew up in London in a family of musicians and started composing music at a very young age. He later studied classical oriental music in London, alongside renowned composers and musicians including composers from the Royal Academy of Music in London, which is one of the world’s most prestigious music institutions. He has also studied Islam and Arabic from Al-Azhar University in Egypt and is able to sing in Urdu, Arabic, English, Turkish and Persian. (Read More and comment)

By Sajid Iqbal & Irfan Khan

Jamal goes to visit Ali in prison�

Ali: Jamaaaal!!! Holy cow!!! Is that really you?

Jamal: Salaam Ali. Yep it’s me bro� and I ain�t no cow.

Ali: I can�t believe you’s come all the way from Egypt to see me! Raas man! You’re not a dodgy Mullah after all!

Jamal: No, not as dodgy as you bro� hahahaha.

Ali: Yo I ain’t dodgy aiight, I�ve got style! So how are ya man� you all pimped up and that? you been strutting your stuff on the Taliban catwalks!

Jamal: I’m good, Alhamdulillah, I�ve had a wicked time, met some really good people. But what about you, how are things bro?

Ali: Life is friggin’ beautiful! What do you think it�s like man?! Food here tastes like leftover kebabs. I’m locked up with some crackpots. (Read More and comment)

The word “Nasheed” is just an Arabic term meaning Islamic songs. Nasheeds aren’t just about Allah (swt) and the Prophet (saw), but they cover all sorts of issues concerning the Ummah today.

Nasheeds have been around ever since the time of the Holy Prophet (saw), yes that is 1400 years ago! In total there were 45 Munshideen (Nasheed artists) at the time of the Holy Prophet (saw) with Hassan ibn Thabit (ra) being the favourite. (Read More…)

By Irfan Jalil

“The media” eh? God bless it. It’s normally a popular subject at the sheesha joints. We can blame it for all the ills of the world.

We’d love to have a good old bash, but someone realised that we, “The Revival”, are part of the media too. The magazine. The website. The interviews. It’s all a part of the media. So we toned it all down and decided to concentrate on other media outlets.

The media has a strong influence on public opinion. It provides not only information but ways of looking at the world. It informs and influences. Issues about Muslims are very often shaped by the media. (Read More and comment)

By Imaani Aslam

We will all have moments in our life when we feel a bit down, miserable or in a bit of a mood. It is natural to feel some sort of sadness when we experience disappointments in our everyday life. However, The World Health Organisation estimates that 121 million people worldwide are suffering from �Depression� � the illness.[1]

The difference between feeling a little low and suffering from a depressive illness is that these low feelings can last for weeks or months and seriously interfere with a persons life. There are different types of depressive illnesses; depression in its mildest form can make everything seem a struggle or pointless, but depression in its most severe form can be life-threatening as it can make a person simply give up the will to live.

Contrary to popular belief, a person suffering from depression can�t just �snap out of it� or �pull themselves together�. It is important to understand that depression isn�t just a state of mind � it is clear that there are definite changes in the way the brain works when a person is depressed. (Read More…)

By Sajid Iqbal

I was co-presenting a late night discussion show on my local Radio in the month of Ramadan this year, which I have been doing for quite a few years now. The topic was marriage, which is one of the most popular shows every year� I dunno why! However, every year, a small section of the listeners remind me of one massive ignorance and fault our Muslims communities have across the UK.

It�s the fear and ignorance of discussing issues which make us uncomfortable even though we know they are real, they exist and they affect all of us! But we moan and fuss and complain that certain issues should not be discussed, highlighted and talked about openly.

In this case, listeners were embarrassed and disgusted that Muslims were openly discussing marriage and sexual matters on the radio after midnight in the presence of a qualified scholar. Shock! Horror! (Read more and comment)

Questions answered by Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad

What is jihad? How does Islam define apostasy? What are the rights of women in Islam?

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By Alveena Salim

Why would anyone in the 21st Century willingly practise Islam? I mean, ain’t it a backwards, sexist, violent, and out-dated religion? Ain’t it the religion that’s always on the news? And why the hell is Islam the fastest growing religion in the world? What does it offer anyway?

The Revival presents you ten things that Islam can offer you if you follow the teachings of Islam:

1. Direction

All humans by nature need a sense of purpose in life. We need to know where we came from, where we’re going and how we can get there. A lack of direction results in a careless attitude towards life which can lead to feeling dissatisfied and depressed. (Read more and comment)

By Naheem Zafar

Where were you when you read about the iphone being announced? I will hazard a guess: On the internet. Or reading the paper. Or talking to a geek “mate” of yours. (Well that does just about cover the options doesn’t it?)

Apparently, the iphone is not the only phone to be launched this year. Shock horror!

So in this tech guide I will have a quick look at some pretenders to the throne. They will all be high end “Smart phones”. So let’s see what we have here: (Read more and comment)

Question

Are Muslims allowed to go to the pub even if they do not drink, especially if it is work related?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghiza

No. In Islam places which are allocated for the use of Haram activities are forbidden to enter even if it is not for consuming the Haram. The reason for this is that these are places which gain the wrath and the curse of Allah and also as a Muslim one must ensure that their outwardly actions do not lead others to doubt them (Read More…)

Question

Animal Rennet. When is it acceptable to consume and for whom. Is the rennet of an animal killed with a bolt to the head Halal? Is this the same ruling as for slaughter? (Read Answer…)

Question

The purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to achieve Taqwa, i.e. to become God-fearing and pious etc. But I fast year in, year out and see no change… especially when Ramadan is over! So what can I do to help become and remain a God-fearing and pious person? (Read Answer…)

What you’ll need:

• 500g of Pasta
• 2lb of mince lamb
• Olive Oil
• A small Onion
• Garlic
• Tinned Tomato (blend it before starting) (Read more…)

What you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, grated
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in half
• 3 teaspoons of ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of chilli powder (Read More…)

By Sajid Iqbal

1. What is the Qur’an?

The Quran is the Muslim holy book, ya’ know like the Bible is to Christianity and the Torah is to Judaism. It was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the Angel Gabriel. The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Did you know that the Quran is a ‘first-person’ revelation, and is the authentic expression of the divine voice of the Almighty? The Quran offers a revelation from the point of view of God Himself.(Read More…)

By Zahid Maqbool

Walking down the street it is no longer enough to speak in rap. The gold rings mean nothing. Nor do the chains. There are two types of people out there. Those that carry and those that are dead. Bang bang.

La pistola. The Ultimate Badge of Honour. It says more than anything else. Who cares about the police? I own the streets and people fear me. And they should. I am the law. Disrespect me at your own peril. Bang bang.

I have the feeling of power. I am indestructible. No one will cross my way. I am packing a heavy punch. This is a badge that has to be earned. Bang bang. (Read More…)

By Sara Salim and Imaani Aslam

Jameela: As�salaam alaikum Sis. How you doin�?

Aliyah: Alright Jameela, where you at?

Jameela: Er� I�m good Alhamdulillah. What you been up to?

Aliyah: Not much, not much. Listen yeah, Ramadan�s starting soon innit?!

Jameela: Yep Sis, I can�t wait!!

Aliyah: Great!!! Not long now then. Iky says he wants to cool it during Ramadan. He says his Dad�s gonna be watching him like a hawk and he can�t risk gettin� caught. Plus he says I�m gonna distract him, but I told him straight, look it ain�t my fault I�m so fit.

(Read More and comment)

By Imaani Aslam

Chances are you know someone who is being bullied or that even you yourself have at some time in your life been bullied. A recent report revealed a staggering 69% of young people are bullied. In other words, a shocking 2 out of 3 people [1].

So what can be classed as bullying?

Well, it normally takes the form of emotional or physical harmful behaviour. So this can include pushing, punching, kicking, spitting, teasing, name-calling, mocking, taunting, gossiping, spreading rumours… etc, etc. Basically, anything that makes someone feel uncomfortable, scared, unhappy or unsafe. (Read More…)

By Saima Iqbal

As the fourth pillar of Islam fasting is mostly observed during the month of Ramadan. Although technically you can fast at various other times of the year too, the month of Ramadan is the most well known for it. Fasting is a means of abstaining from not only food and drink but also putting in more effort in following the teachings of Islam.

As well as the spiritual benefits of fasting, there are also many other benefits that can be gained from fasting. (Read More…)

By Naheem Zaffar

Meanwhile on the other side of the globe…

Connecting…

Jamal: Ali? Is that you?

Ali: Erm… Assalamu Alaikum brother. Ermm kay… kai… Kaifa Haluk?

Jamal: I’m good. I thought you were in prison?

Ali: My lawyers a good man. You remember big Sam right? Say hi to him. He’s letting me use his phone. I’m telling you Jamal it was a big misunderstanding! If they tested the stuff they would have known it was just flour. To make chappati’s! Desi style. But since I am Muslim they just banged me up man! You know how it is Innocent til proven Muslim. I had no chance! (Read More…)

By Fatima Zahir

1. So what’s this Zakat business all about?

The word “Zakat” literally means “that which purifies” and “that which fosters growth”. So the act of giving Zakat means purifying one’s wealth to gain the blessings of Allah (swt).

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and is one of the most fundamental acts of Ibadah (worship) hence being mentioned over 30 times in the Holy Quran. In simple terms, it is the more able people giving 2.5% of their yearly income to those who are less financially able. Performing Zakat is to re-distribute wealth from the rich to the poor so the rich can help those who are less fortunate than themselves. (Read More…)

Finally the month of starvation is over, now we can don our expensive designer gear and head down to Rusholme in our pimped-out rides, waving our national flag, blasting the latest tracks and see what we can pull! Might just get a little mashed or have a few shots…and you have to have some weed man- chill out its Eid…you have to have some weed dude…all in the name of celebrating and having fun!
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Abû Hurayra radiyallahu `anhu relates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whosoever worshipped on Laylatul-Qadr, with faith and with a sincere intention, all of his previous sins are forgiven.” (from al-Bukhârî and Muslim)

From the nights of the blessed month of Ramadan, one is known as Laylatul-Qadr and during it, blessings, rewards and an abundance of good can be gained.

Allah Most high has made worship during this night worth than a thousand months, i.e. anyone who spent this night in worship, would have worshipped an equivalent of eighty three years and four months - khayru(n)m-minalfi shahr

“The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.” The reality is that Allah can increase the rewards gained during this month to as much as He wants and this is an amount which is beyond our imagination. (more…)